Dirty Dancing (1988)
Just because you’re in isolation doesn’t mean you have to be in the corner, Baby! There’s drama, dancing, first love, and epic 80s outfits. Dig out your leg warmers and sway along to this Patrick Swayze classic.
Step Up Revolution (2012)
As Autumn days in isolation get colder, tune in to Step Up Revolution for a warm Miami moment filled with epic dance sequences. This franchise will make you wish you could pop it and lock it – maybe it’s time to pick up a few of these moves yourself!
Watch on Netflix or Amazon Prime
Footloose (1984)
A small town where dancing and rock music are illegal? That’s criminal! Bring your dancing shoes and tap along to that iconic Footloose beat. 80s fashion, a dangerously thin plot, an epic soundtrack and Kevin Bacon – get dancing team, it’s not illegal in isolation!
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (2020)
Musical nerds – this is your time! Tech whiz Zoey has an extraordinary ability to read other people’s inner worlds. How? She sees them performing popular songs that reflect their true feelings. Add unrequited love, office romance, and plot-lines that truly tug at the heartstrings and you have the perfect quarantine comfort content. Don’t forget to dance and sing along as characters burst into song – it’s good for the soul.
Magic Mike (2012)
Steven Soderbergh’s foray into the world of male strippers is a surprisingly deep, entertaining watch and perfect for when you need a little pep in your step after one too many days chilling on the couch. Let it get you moving and grooving – isolation doesn’t have to be the end of a good time!
Just Dance (2012–20)
NOWNESS is a diverse series of short dance films ranging in subject, genre, and locale. Guaranteed to inspire, this collection of beautiful and intriguing works will expand what you thought you knew of the world of dance.
Pitch Perfect (2012)
Pitch Perfect is the movie you don’t want to admit loving … but we all know you do. The premise: an all-girl college a capella group composed of lovable misfits (The Barden Bellas) compete against an all-male a capella group to win Nationals. Worth watching for the riff-off scene alone, you’ll be sure to feel the urge to bust a move during one of the many catchy a capella renditions of popular songs.
Watch on Foxtel or Amazon Prime
Parris Goebel's YouTube channel
So you think you can dance? No? No problem – let Kiwi choreographer-for-the-stars Parris Goebel and her crew entertain you with incredibly choreographed routines to your favourite pop hits. She is the talent behind iconic performances from J Lo to Rihanna, and music videos from Justin Bieber to Jason Derulo. All available on YouTube, sit back and be wowed or jump up and have a dance party with the roomies.
Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again (2018)
This sequel has it all – singing, dancing, romance … and Cher! The film is pure joy; let it transport you to Greek vistas as you dance along to classic ABBA hits. A little bit of cheese never hurt anyone, right?
Step (2017)
Step follows three students navigating their final year while competing in the Lethal Ladies Step Team and striving to be the first members of their families to attend college. Amanda Lipitz's directorial debut – and Sundance Special Jury Prize winner – is equal parts emotionally moving and stomp-on-your-seat entertaining. It will leave you inspired by the power of dance.
Just Dance (2020)
While it’s fun to watch and be inspired by other people dancing – it’s time to get your own groove on. Just Dance will have you learning new moves, building up a sweat, and leave you high on endorphins. Get family and friends involved and find out who the Monica of the team is as you unleash your competitive spirits. This game is available on a range of platforms, including your phone.
Gilmore Girls: 'They Shoot Gilmores, Don’t They?' (2002)
In episode seven of Gilmore Girls third season, the town of Stars Hollow compete to win a 24-hour dance marathon. This episode gave us the gift of Kirk running his victory lap to the theme from Rocky and saw the end of Rory and Dean and the beginning of Rory and Jess. A pivotal episode with a dance theme? Count us in.
Friends: 'The One With The Routine' (1999)
There is simply no better comfort TV than Friends – especially the hilarious episode ‘The Routine’ (season six, episode ten), where Ross and Monica revisit their high school dance routine and perform it for a NYE television special.
Napolean Dynamite (2004)
Jon Hader dancing to ‘Canned Heat’ by Jamiroquai – need we say more? This phenomenal dance sequence is wonderfully seared into our collective brains. Need an isolation activity? Learn this and perform it at your next virtual houseparty. Special mentions for iconic movie dance scene also go to: the 'Thriller' dance in 13 Going on 30 (and in the end credits of Boy), the Little Miss Sunshine 'Super Freak' performance and the dance to ‘All My Life’ by KC & JoJo in Breaker Upperers.
We've made you a YouTube playlist to help you get your toes tapping. Enjoy!
Looking for more to watch? Let us guide you through this period of solitude with home-viewing options for every lockdown mood in our Isolation Guides.